Dovetail – Design Term

Dovetail is the name for a shape that looks like a dove’s tail and is used to join things together, especially in woodworking. A dovetail joint comprises several tabs in the shape of a dovetail that fit into holes in the other part. The dovetail definition encompasses its use in various applications. Dovetails are often used to join the corners of cabinet drawers and other box shapes. These can be made by hand or by machine. The ones made by hand are seen as a sign of good craftsmanship. A through dovetail, also called a slip dovetail, is often used to create modern drawers. It has a protruding dovetail-shaped piece that slides into a continuous groove of the same shape. Understanding the dovetail definition helps in appreciating its role in woodworking.

Sources

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